Charles C. Sanders responded to a radio call for assistance from a Lane County Deputy Sheriff E.J. Robertson when his partner, Deputy Dave Hefner, was shot in the neck while investigating a domestic violence call.
The ensuing gun battle with the suspect, Albert Wachsmuth, lasted 2 hours. Sanders was fatally wounded by a rifle shot from inside the house when officers rushed the residence. The suspect ran out the back door and attempted to commit suicide, but survived the self-inflicted gunshot wound. Albert Wachsmuth was later charged with First Degree Murder.
Deputy Hefner, shot in the neck, died of his injuries in July.